Omnivore versus univore consumption and its symbolic properties: evidence from Spaniards’ performing arts attendance

Abstract

In this research we discuss the use of a combination of several research tools to look for evidence supporting the symbolic meanings of performing arts attendance and on how taste is related to consumers’ social position. Our findings indicate an omnivorous pattern of consumption among the upper social classes, univore consumption among the upper-middle and middle classes, and sporadic attendance by the lower social classes. There is some evidence that women with low economic capital exhibit a higher rate of consumption of traditional art performances than men in the same circumstances. However, we found no support for a difference in behavior between women and men over their lifetime, and marital status only seemed to affect attendance when simultaneously considering the attendee's income level. We also present several conclusions on how to systematically advance our knowledge of consumers’ use of products’ symbolic space.